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Taking board leadership to the next level January 21, 2014

This week marked our second round ever of The Bridge 201. This advanced board service training program is designed specifically for individuals who are currently serving on a nonprofit board. Through a series of modules that challenge participants to think with an adaptive mindset, we are taking board leadership to the next level.

The nine participants this round gathered in the Seattle Works office for deep conversations about leadership, the challenges they are currently facing on their boards and how to overcome them. Clearly identifying where their challenges fall along the adaptive/technical axis.

Participants of The Bridge 201 go through a board simulation to apply their new skills. January 2014.

When asked “how did this course change your prospective on leadership?” participants said:

“[The Bridge 201] caused me to focus more more on how to analyze leadership modes and classification of issues to find solutions.”

“Being a leader is about (in large part) asking the right questions.”

“It allowed me to carve out avenues to bring up different and difficult conversations.”

“Presented that boards should have a larger influence on change within every aspect of an organization.”

Ok, great – so we’ve got a group that has a new perspective on leadership. But how has The Bridge 201 changed their perspective on their role as board member?

“It caused me to think about ways to push our group’s thoughts.”

“I learned that I am a generative thinker and how to utilize other forms of analysis to solve problems.”

“I have a responsibility to ask hard questions.”

“Strategic methods of change can be introduced and implemented without having to announce it is happening – leading by example, not by proposal.”

There you have it, local board members who have a new perspective on how they can make a difference within their board, their organization and the greater Seattle community.

Do you want to join the ranks of board smarties? Take The Bridge and/or The Bridge 201! Have a question? Contact Ben@seattleworks.org.